Research

    A black and brown dog outside.

    Companion Animal Behavior and Welfare

    Animals communicate much of how they’re feeling through their behavior. Our lab studies animal behavior as an acute indicator of welfare that offers powerful insights into animals’ emotional experience and well-being. We’re also interested in understanding risk factors for animal behavioral problems.

    One of our current projects explores shared social inequities and the social determinants of dog behavior in Philadelphia. We are measuring how the physical and social environments in which dogs live can shape their behavior and well-being. Find out more information about the study or volunteer to participate.

    Beyond this work, our lab is also interested in understanding how animal behavior affects human-animal relationships, including adoption outcomes (as described further below). Across our research, we use a range of complementary methods to assess animal behavior, including ethograms, accelerometry, physiological measures and and validated questionnaires, such as the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and Feline Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (Fe-BARQ).

    Human-Animal Bond

    The human-animal bond (HAB) provides a powerful form of social connection that offers benefits for both animals and people. While companion animals depend on humans to support their physical, mental and social health needs, animals can also benefit human health by promoting physical activity, providing companionship, strengthening social connections, reducing stress, and supporting overall wellbeing. Our lab is dedicated to understanding these unique relationships.

    We are currently conducting a nationwide, longitudinal study of new adopters to measure how human-animal relationships develop during the first 12 months following adoption. The study explores the impacts of adoption on human mental health, relative to social determinants of health. We are also tracking changes in animal behavior as animals transition from the shelter into their new homes. We have partnered with more than 10 animal shelters to include adopters from diverse communities across the country. For more information about the study, please contact vet-hab-research@vet.upenn.edu.

    A person holds a white and grey cat. In the background, there are cat trees and other cats.
    Three individuals wearing masks are gathered around a table.

    Attitudes Towards Animals

    Human attitudes towards animals, including empathy, belief in animal minds, and understanding of animal behavior and welfare, play a critical role in shaping how people think about and interact with animals. These attitudes can influence caregiving practices, support for animal welfare, and the strength of human–animal relationships.

    Our lab is currently working on developing and validating new tools to assess animal-directed empathy and knowledge of animal welfare among both children and adults. We are collaborating with organizations that deliver humane education programs to evaluate how educational experiences influence the development of attitudes towards animals. By measuring the impact of these programs, our goal is to support evidence‑based approaches that foster empathy, understanding, and positive welfare outcomes for animals.

    Meet Our Partners

    Penn Faculty Who Collaborate on Projects Led by Our Lab

    • Brittany Watson
      Associate Professor of Shelter Animal Medicine and Community Engagement (CE)
    • Carlo Siracusa
      Professor of Clinical Small Animal Behavior and Welfare (AC)
    • Chelsea Reinhard
      Associate Professor of Clinical Shelter Medicine (AC)
    • Heather Klusaritz
      Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health
    • James Serpell
      Emeritus Professor of Ethics & Animal Welfare

    Research Collaborators on Projects Led by Partner Labs